HI SCR111

Medical cannabis is recognized as a valuable treatment tool for multiple conditions including cancer, glaucoma, epilepsy, multiple sclerosis, rheumatoid arthritis, and lupus, but is not currently covered by health insurance unlike other medications for these illnesses.

The Medical Cannabis Insurance Reimbursement Working Group was established by Act 161, Session Laws of Hawaii 2018, to examine complexities surrounding medical cannabis reimbursement by health insurance and submitted a report for the 2019 Regular Session.

The working group is requested to continue its work and provide periodic updates to the Legislature with recommendations for any legislative or administrative action needed to address health insurance reimbursement for medical cannabis.

The working group must submit a final report with recommendations for further action to the Legislature no later than twenty days prior to the 2020 Regular Session.

Certified copies of the resolution must be transmitted to the Director of Health, Director of Commerce and Consumer Affairs, Insurance Commissioner, and Administrator of the Med-Quest Division of the Department of Human Services.